Shakira Faces High-Stakes Tax Trial in Barcelona
Colombian singing sensation Shakira is set to return to Barcelona to confront allegations of tax fraud totaling 14.5 million euros. The six charges filed against her by the Treasury involve failure to pay wealth and income taxes during the fiscal years 2012, 2013, and 2014, according to Marca.
Scheduled to arrive in Barcelona with her children Milan and Sasha this weekend, Shakira aims to meticulously prepare for the nine-day legal proceedings while juggling a busy schedule that includes travel to Seville for the 24th Latin Grammy Gala, where she boasts multiple nominations and stands a good chance of winning.
While in Barcelona, her children will remain under the guardianship of their father, Gerard Pique, who has reportedly not visited Miami this month to be with them, as reported by El Periodico.
The tax trial is expected to span 12 sessions, with proceedings on November 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30, as well as December 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, and 14, according to Marca. A total of 200 witnesses are anticipated in the courtroom, with 60 called by the defense, 30 from the prosecutor’s office, and over half from the State Attorney’s office.
If the allegations of tax fraud are substantiated, Shakira could face a sentence of eight years and two months in prison, along with a hefty fine of nearly 24 million euros. The trial promises to be a pivotal moment for the international pop star as she navigates both legal challenges and the pursuit of musical accolades.
Shakira returns to Barcelona… to prepare for her trial against the tax authoritieshttps://t.co/L7wNQoOlW4
— Svavar HallgrÃmsson (@SvavarHall25909) November 11, 2023